In the late 1950s, Dr. Frits W. Went, Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, needed something big. Attendance to the historical gardens was in decline, the buildings stood in deteriorated condition, and one of the park's main attractions, a glass conservatory built in 1913, needed extensive repairs. But instead of looking to the past, Dr. Went took a chance on the future, making plans for a groundbreaking geodesic dome that would capture the nation's attention.